Time to post links to the new posts over at Random Stuff

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/getting-to-know-you.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/seasons-greatings-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/tuesday-four.html

Hi all I am late getting around to writing this well started it yesterday but didn’t get around to finishing it as I was just so exhausted most of the day.

Christmas is an important day for Christians but also for other people now days. Celebrated on 25 December each year, is a cherished holiday around the world.

Its origins may come from the Christian tradition of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the true meaning of Christmas extends beyond religious observance. It encompasses a spirit of generosity, kindness, togetherness, and hope that resonates with people of all backgrounds.

Churches hold special services, nativity plays are performed, and carols are sung, all of which focus on the message of peace and goodwill.

I feel Christmas is a period of joy and hope as well as an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, express gratitude for what we have, and look forward to new beginnings. The festive lights, decorations, and cheerful music all contribute to an atmosphere of happiness and optimism, reminding us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

While Christmas has religious roots, its meaning has broadened over time. Many Australians, regardless of faith, embrace the holiday’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and unity. Schools and workplaces often host end-of-year celebrations, and communities come together for public events like carols by candlelight. These traditions foster inclusivity and encourage everyone to participate in the festive cheer.

Ok this week’s animal is the reindeer as it is one of the most iconic animals when we think of Christmas.

It was in 1821 that the reindeer was first mentioned, this was in the booklet The Children’s Friend introduced reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh.

Then is 1823 Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from St. Nicholas also known as The Night Before Christmas which cemented the image of eight flying reindeer, named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, and Blixem (later Donner and Blitzen).

Santa’s most famous reindeer was introduced in 1839 in Robert L. May’s story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a misfit whose glowing nose saves Christmas. It was a 110 years later that Gene Autry recorded the song that turned Rudolph into a global sensation, adding him as the ninth reindeer.

Can you imagine any other animal pulling Santa’s sleigh while he travels around the world delivering gifts to children. Even though there is a song here in Australian about Santa’s sleigh being pulled by kangaroos but it’s just a song no one here things that happens. Many Aussie kids leave carrots out for the reindeer along with a piece of fruit cake and a beer for Santa.